Google’s Pixel Hardware Event: Key Highlights

Google unveiled the much talked about Smartphone in the Google event, that was held inside a small venue at San Francisco, on Tuesday. Google, the US based technology giant threw out an open challenge to the likes of Amazon and Apple, with a new series of gadgets that are positioned for pursuing the digital lifestyle. The event announced the Pixel phone, a smartphone designed by Google, which enables the company to operate in the highly competitive smartphone industry dominated by such players as Apple, Samsung and others. The event came and went by, with the following observations on the array of gadgets from Google.

Google Pixel and Pixel XL

The Pixel comes in two sizes, the standard 5-inch with a 441 ppi pixel density and the 5.5-inch XL with 534 ppi and both of these are encased in Gorilla Glass 4. The 5-inch Pixel is powered by a 2,770mAh battery, whereas the larger 5.5-inch XL model features 3,450mAh battery. After this, Rakowski turned his attention to the camera on the pixel devices. It is considered as the best camera with an 89 rating very superior to Apple’s highly praised iPhone 7 Plus. He said that both Pixel devices includes a 12 megapixel shooter in the rear and with an f/2.0 aperture and a large 1.55 micron pixel sensor. Furthermore, those who pick up Pixel will also get free unlimited storage on Google photos. The Pixel comes in three colors, including Quite Black, Really Blue and Very Silver. Pre-orders of the handsets in the Canada, Australia and US, while buyers of India will get the chance on 13th of October. Anyone buying a Pixel will get unlimited storage of full-resolution in the cloud. It is said that the base-level Pixel starts at $649 or $27 a month.

Daydream View

Daydream View is the VR product in the Google Universe. It transforms your Google phone into the Virtual Reality dream. The appealing microfibre fabric makes it suitable for a comfortable fit for the user. The supersoft headsets are particularly aimed at users with spectacles. It is compatible with Daydream-ready phones. It is said to be 30 % lighter than other headsets for the mobiles. The Daydream is reasonably priced in comparison with the other VR headsets and the best-designed version.

Chromecast Ultra

Chromecast got an upgrade with Ultra, a version that supports HDR, Dolby Vision, and 4K content. The basics of the Ultra are largely the same as its predecessors — a disc you plug into your TV — but it now has an Ethernet port integrated into the power adapter. It’s also more expensive, at $69. You can preorder the Ultra in November, and it ships in December. Google Play movies will also start streaming 4K content in November.

Google Wifi

After last year’s foray into router partnerships with OnHub, Google is now making routers itself. The new system, called simply Google Wifi, is a multi-point network similar to Eero, letting you place modular router points throughout your house for maximum coverage. The system manages your connection as you move through the house, optimizing which router you’re connected to. You can also actively manage the network through the app — including, in the demo, the ability to kick your kids of the internet by pressing “pause.” A single router costs $129, while a three-pack costs $299. Preorders start in November and it ships in December.

Google Home

Google Home goes on sale next month for $129. Google announced its smart home assistant at I/O in May, but today Google Home finally got a price and a release date. Home will ship on November 4th and cost $129, with a three-pack for $299. That’s a very deliberate shot at the Amazon Echo (currently going for $179), and given Google’s new smart assistant features, it will be interesting to see how the two products stack up. Home is also designed to work with multiple units in a single house, although the team is still working on support for multiple Google accounts. It also comes with a free six-month trial of YouTube Red.